Health Care Sciences
"What's great about being in the Navy for me is the applied nature of the research that I do. And the fact that I can see results in a reasonable time frame. The fact that the work that we do has the potential to have real impact on the Naval forces."
Research Psychology
Job Overview:
In Navy Research Psychology, you’ll find cutting-edge research in practice. Elite scientists at the top of their fields. And a position of honor and respect waiting should you choose to join such ranks.
Pay:
Psychological wellness. It’s every bit as critical as the physical health of Sailors and Marines, who oftentimes find themselves in situations that test their mental and emotional well-being. Navy Research Psychologists delve deep into these issues to help keep our servicemembers strong in both body and mind.
What will you do?
You’ll be among approximately two dozen research psychologists who deliver operational products that dramatically impact the health, safety and operational performance of Fleet and Marine Corps forces. While there are many possible career paths, early positions often involve research in laboratory and field settings on variables affecting many aspects of human performance in military systems.
You could:
- Become eligible for positions involving policy development, research management and oversight, and program evaluation
- Manage large R&D efforts in laboratories and provide staff assistance related to human performance, training and personnel issues
- Take advantage of Senior Officer opportunities for medical department leadership positions, including command of Navy Medical Research and Development Laboratories
Requirements
Basic Requirements
- Completion of all course requirements for the Ph.D. degree in psychology with a concentration in cognitive, experimental, social, industrial/organizational, human factors, engineering, personnel, neuroscience or physiological
- Master’s degree in one of the above areas and four years of commissioned service
- Ph.D. Dissertation Pending: Applicants in an “all but dissertation” (ABD) status will be considered. All research psychologists commissioned under the ABD provisions of this program will have three years from the original date of commissioning to complete their dissertation. Officers failing to meet this requirement will be subject to separation from the Navy. Before commissioning, applicants who have not completed all dissertation requirements will acknowledge in writing awareness of this requirement
Preferred Requirements
- Evidence of professional versatility, flexibility and broad interests within the field of psychology
- Demonstrated expertise in research design, methodology, execution and statistical analysis
- Strong academic record, strong early record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and outstanding professional recommendations
Want to drill deeper? Learn more about other Health Care Opportunities in the Medical Service Corps.
For more information, to talk to a Navy representative or to request a free informative video about the Navy Medical Service Corps, please fill out an information request form. We look forward to hearing from you!
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